PEIGNOT, Charles | Arts et Métiers Graphiques

Nos. 1, 4, 5, 7, 8, 10, 14, 24, 25, 30, 34–36, 38, 43, 48–57, 59, 61–66.

Paris: Deberny and Peignot, 1927–39.

First appearing in 1927, the French journal Arts et Métiers Graphiques [AMG] placed itself at the crossroads of publishing, graphic arts, and photography. Launched by Charles Peignot, heir to the Deberny and Peignot print foundries, the magazine presented itself as a showcase of a certain know-how in the printing trades, and was able to bring together artists, typographers, and poster designers. Among its contributors were Cassandre, Maximilien Vox, and Jean Carlu. The journal also sought to place itself in the cultural landscape by soliciting prestigious authors: Paul Valéry (who introduced the first number), Jean Cocteau, Philippe Soupault, Pierre Mac Orlan, and André Malraux, to name a few.

Substantial resources were invested in its production.  In over ten years of publication Peignot’s wide editorial goal encompassed subjects ranging from illustration, the history of the book and printing techniques, and the then-expanding disciplines of advertising design and modern art photography. The magazine also featured regular reviews of fine limited-edition books and reprints of classical literature excerpts in typographically innovative layouts. Each edition was printed on high-quality papers with frequent tipped-in plates and inserts. The magazine shuttered with the advent of the Second World War; in all, 68 issues were published.